Vol 1 - Edition III

Nutrition 101

Don't Sweat the Alphabet:

There are so many sources of information about nutrition, that sorting through can be exhausting! The Harvard School of Public Health suggests this simple approach.  A daily multivitamin, and extra vitamin D is a great way to cover all nutritional bases.  Folic Acid can help prevent neural tube defects in newborns, and lower cancers such as colon and breast. Here is a short overview of the newly recognized role of a few of the most notable vitamins:

Vitamin A stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells, remodels bone and helps maintain health of the cells which line the body's interior. Many breakfast cereals and fruits and vegetables contain this vitamin.

Vitamin C can neutralize free radicals,  and helps produce collagen which is essential for healthy bones, teeth, gums and blood vessels. Some great food sources are citrus fruits, berries, green and red peppers, broccoli and spinach.

It has been estimated that 1 billion people have inadequate amounts of vitamin D. An international study of post-menopausal women with osteoporosis found that more than 60 percent had insufficient levels. Studies in the lab has shown vitamin D to inhibit cancer cells from growing and dividing and controlling infections. The sunshine and fatty fish such as salmon and tuna are great sources of vitamin D.

We invited two guest panelists to educate us on the importance of movement and nutrition when it comes to taking care of our bodies.  Our bodies need an overhaul in the same manner we take care of our vehicles.  At least once a quarter a recharge allows us to regain focus. 

                       ANGELIE RENAY MELZER
                       Founder and Owner of TeamPilates®

WHAT CAN PILATES DO FOR YOU?
-Dramatically improve your fitness by teaching you how to use your core strength, allowing you to move in a more efficient and healthy way.
-Analyze and correct your movement patterns and habits.
-Ease the pressure on your lower back, hips, shoulders and knees.

Pilates' is a wonderful regime not only for its exercise and physical benefits, but for the internal "cleansing" that occurs from the deep breathing techniques and the internal massage that occurs in the internal organs from many of the spinal articulation exercises.  Why not indulge yourself by taking part in a tried and true method of over 100 years!" -Angelie Renay Melzer of TeamPilates®

Stephanie Simkins CNC

Simpwhole Nutrition
Holistic Nutrition and Weight Loss Consulting

I believe we can help ourselves to feel good based on what we do every day to our bodies and our attitudes surrounding them.  I believe as you become more balanced, other areas of your life such as relationships, career and creativity start to improve.  You will naturally begin to crave those foods and activities that make you feel better.

WHAT FOOD CRAVINGS MEAN

Food cravings mean that the body has its signals mixed up.  When we are exhausted or blue, we have low blood sugar and/or low serotonin, and the body signals the brain that it needs a pick-me-u[.  This signal causes a sugar craving or carbohydrate craving.

HOW TO CURB CRAVINGS

Those who blame themselves for their food cravings only worsen their mood and increase their need for serotonin.  That's when a pattern of emotional eating can develop.  Remember, there are biological causes of sugar cravings, and your carbohydrate craving is rarely just a behavioral problem.  The root problem is more likely inadequate nutrition.

How to break this vicious cycle?  To reduce food cravings, the body needs real support--and lots of it.  Your metabolism will heal itself when provided with the necessary nutritional support.  If it has been damaged, the process can take some time, but it will happen.  The good news is--you don't have to give up chocolate.

Stephanie Simkins
Founder and Owner of Simpwhole Nutrition
sssimkins@kc.rr.com
913-685-0182

How About a Little Puzzler?

http://www.dothetest.co.uk/

A Great Way To Attain Nutrition On The Run

Time, schedules and busy lives sometimes leaves us without proper diet and nutrition.  The Centers For Disease Control and the Produce for Better Health Foundation are leading the initiative for each of us to increase our daily consumption of fruits and vegetables.  The More Matters campaign reminds us to combine canned, dried, fresh, frozen and 100% juices to prevent chronic diseases.

The CDC has evaluated the effectiveness of antioxidants in reducing disease such as macular degeneration, different types of cancer, or hypertension.  The laboratory has also researched the affect of B-vitamins which in deficiencies can be related to increase risks of heart disease and impaired cognitive function. 

Here is more information on an amazing supplement in which a daily two ounce  serving is the nutritional equivalent to 4 grocery bags full of fruits and vegetables.